Growing Up in a World of Technology

The world that our babies are growing up in is very different from the one that we experienced - computers, mobile phones and digital media are the norm.  Governments around the world place a strong emphasis on young children learning about this world under the umbrella term ICT - Information Communication Technology.  The term ICT covers not just computers, but all forms of technology and media, including television and the various forms of digital music.

Many parents are reluctant to let their babies near computers - partly because they are not childproof, but also because of the fear that they will turn into zombies in no time at all!  ICT however has become an important part of early years education and your children will be introduced to computers and technology at nurseries, preschool and school anywhere from the age of 18 months and upwards.

Early on they may be exposed to computer 'whiteboards' where they can draw interactively onto a screen projection, or they may be encouraged to put a CD into a music player and find the right track.  They might play with cassette recorders to record themselves singing, and of course they will be snapped on digital cameras for record logs of their progress. Technology is all around us these days, and gadgets will only become more widespread throughout the lives of our babies.